Happy CPL Final Day, everyone! Join host Mackenzie Barwell as she checks in from Calgary, Alberta, recapping Forge FC’s intense 2-1 loss to Cavalry FC in the 2024 CPL Final. Mackenzie dives into the match's highs and lows, shares live fan reactions, and gives an inside look into the post-match press conference, featuring insights from coach Bobby Smyrniotis and Player of the Year, Tristan Borges. Despite the loss, Forge fans showed up in force and made themselves heard—experience the atmosphere and hear what’s next for Forge FC.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting 11 & Injuries: Forge’s lineup remained familiar, but key players Garven Metusala, Victor Loturi, and Amadou Kone were out with injuries.
• 1st Half Struggles: Forge conceded two goals early, struggling to find momentum amidst a charged crowd and cold conditions.
• 2nd Half Fight Back: Forge flipped the script with a determined response, controlling possession and netting one goal but ultimately falling short.
• Season Reflection: Bobby praised the team’s resilience, and Borges shared key takeaways from a successful season and journey to the final.

Chapters:

1. Setting the Scene!
2. Starting Lineup & Fan Presence
3. 1st Half Recap
4. 2nd Half Highlights
5. Season Reflections
6. Fan Atmosphere & Wrap-Up
   
   

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

CPL Final -1! In this episode, Mac catches up with Borges on everything from the Forge FC playoff journey to life outside the game, personal milestones, and a few fun stories. They dive into Forge’s relentless playoff mentality, what it’s like being nominated for two prestigious CPL awards, and the importance of mental and physical self-care in sports. Plus, Borges shares memories from his early days, hilarious field banter, and his thoughts on Liam's Halloween impersonation of Coach Bobby!

Key Takeaways:

Borges reflects on what makes Forge FC so dominant in the playoffs and shares insights on the unique team spirit that drives them.

Borges discusses on the highs and lows of traveling with the CPL, including some funny away trip stories.

There is a prospect of Borges starting a podcast with he and his friends, one story arises about them *accidentally* dining & dashing.

Borges discusses his nomination for CPL Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year, expressing pride and gratitude for the recognition. A clip from 2019 prompts Borges to reflect on his evolution as a player, noting both his technical growth and mental resilience.

Borges shares his thoughts on Halloween costumes, including Liam’s humorous impression of Coach Bobby.

Chapters:

0:00 Catching up w/ Borges

Playoff Mentality

Individual Nominations & Awards

Personal Growth

Confidence vs. Cavalry

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

Welcome back to Behind the Beard! The 2024 CPL final is quickly approaching and we're diving into it with Coach Bobby Smyrniotis. We'll break down Forge FC's recent 1-0 win over Atlético Ottawa, discuss key players' return, talk about CPL award nominations, and preview Forge's upcoming face-off with Cavalry FC. Plus, Coach Bobby shares insights into team mentality, playoff intensity, and personal coaching reflections—oh, and the fun choppiness that comes with playing a final AWAY.

Key Takeaways:
* Despite Ottawa's shot advantage, Forge’s focus and momentum, especially in pressuring through corners, were key to their win.
* Bobby emphasizes a balance between focus and enjoyment in the final, a mentality shift that could set the tone for a relaxed yet competitive match.
* With four Forge players nominated for the CPL’s Player, Player of the Year, Forge’s talent and hard work are recognized on a league-wide scale.
* Coach Bobby also speaks to his 6th nomination for Coach of the Year.
* Forge and Cavalry’s repeated matchups lead to strategic familiarity. Bobby discusses how Forge prepares for a team that knows them well.
* Thursday, the CPL Awards will be broadcast on CBC gem & Saturday, the finals will stream on CBC Sports!

Chapters:
0:00 Fall in Calgary
3:15 Training Week
6:00 It’s about Enjoyment
8:00 Ottawa Recap
12:00 “We bend but we don’t break”
14:00 CPL Awards
18:00 Cavalry & the final
22:00 Bobby as a Halloween costume…

Forge Audio NetworkThe Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.Twitter: @ForgeFCHamiltonInstagram: @ForgeFCTikTok: @ForgeFCHamiltonFacebook: ForgeFCHamilton